A garbage disposal is a useful kitchen appliance, but it can develop an unpleasant odor due to food particles remaining on the walls of the grinder. Bacteria growing in the bits of food left behind create unpleasant odors in garbage disposals. Here are few simple tips for dealing a smelly garbage disposal.
To get rid of garbage disposal smells you want to do more than just mask the odor. You need to clean the leftover food particles from inside the unit. Running a few ice cubes through the disposal will help knock loose stubborn food particles and scour the inside of the disposal and blades. Making the ice cubes out of vinegar is even more effective.
Flush away the loosened particles by filling the sink with six inches of soapy water, then unplug the sink and run the disposal while the soapy water drains. A common household plunger works well to stop up the drain to fill the sink with water.
Another method is to cut up a lemon or orange and run it through the disposal. The citrus juices will help clean the disposal and leave fresh clean scent.
To help keep your garbage disposal clean, be sure to run plenty of water through the disposal when grinding up waste. Also, be sure to allow the disposal to run long enough to dispose of all the waste. Not running the disposal long enough is a primary cause of garbage disposal smells.
Finally, avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain. Grease and oil will accumulate on the walls of the disposal and the drain pipes and cause odors. If you must dispose of small amounts of grease or oil, run cold water to help prevent the grease and oil from adhering to the drain pipe and the disposal.
